The Cambie Corridor Redevelopment Plan-Phase 3-Densification

As I see things, the Pearson Land rezoning project was a significant proposal which initially was to include Marpole. The public backlash was so great in the fall of 2013 that immediately lawn signs were visible everywhere reading: "Stop Marpole Rezoning". The city, stressed by the large project at Pearson and with the public backlash before an election, backed off south of 59th Ave. Now they are back with Ph 3.

Having sat through an abridged meeting which included a presentation i from a traffic planner and the area planner for the City, as well as from the representative from the Marpole Community Centre, there will once again be some challenges here. In short, although the process is proceeding as a "consultative one" to determine "transition" areas for densification adjacent to Cambie St., it is hard to believe that any plan will be restricted to the very limited areas the city is presently considering for "transition" to the principal "densification" zone along Cambie St.

What the city really needs, is a more comprehensive, long term densification plan extending from Ontario St all the way to at least Heather, south of W57th in order to take any kind of meaningful advantage of Canada Line ridership and of more affordable housing options. But they are talking about a sliver of that, and I do not believe the residents of Marpole will coalesce.

What the residents of Marpole need is a major upgrade to their community centre which would include larger facilities, a large swimming pool and even an arena, all of which would likely be funded from CACs.

But when one stands back, the issues are really more than that. Density in itself is but one facet of a community plan. Simply increasing density to take advantage of the Canada Line, does not accomplish the desires of the Marpole neighbourhood. I believe that City of Vancouver needs to unveil a complete and comprehensive Marpole plan from Ontario to Angus and from 57th to Marine Drive to show, that notwithstanding densification, it will be a better community after the change than what it is now, or would be with the present suggested transitionn "slivers".

How would it look? A couple of state of the art community centres with libraries at both ends of the east/west spectrum; homogenous transitions and laneways with sufficient bike and pedestrian friendly access and parking; parking code relaxation for new development to enable more affordable housing options-(not every home needs 2 parking spots).

If the City of Vancouver wants to jack up density upon Marpole residents, then it better have great plan for those residents that will incentivize multi-generational living, with great local amenities and safeand accessible transportation facilities. After all these years, Marpole should no longer have to be at the "back of the bus". Marpolites know this and you can bet that they will be heard- municipally, provincially and federally. I truly think they are just about fed up with being Vancouver's conduit without their own facilities.

As I see things, the Pearson Dogwood Land rezoning project was a significant proposal which initially was to include Marpole. The public backlash was so great in the fall of 2013 that immediately lawn signs were visible everywhere reading: "Stop Marpole Rezoning". The city, stressed by the large project at Pearson and with the public backlash before an election, backed off south of 59th Ave. Now they are back with Ph 3.

Having sat through an abridged meeting which included a presentationi from a traffic planner and the area planner for the City, as well as from the representative from the Marpole Community Centre, there will once again be some challenges here. In short, although the process is proceeding as a "consultative one" to determine "transition" areas for densification adjacent to Cambie St., it is hard to believe that any plan will be restricted to the limited areas the city is considering impacting with "densification".

What the city really needs, is major densification from Ontario St all the way to at least Heather south of W57th to take any kind of meaningful advantage of Canada Line ridership and on more affordable housing options. But they are talking about a sliver of that, and I do not believe the residents of Marpole will buy that.

What the residents of Marpole need is a major upgrade to their community centre which would include larger facilities, a large swimming pool and even an arena, all of which would likely be funded from CACs.

But when one stands back the issues are really more than that. Density in itself is but one facet of a community plan. Simply increasing density to take advantage of the Canada Line, does not accomplish the desires of the Marpole neighbourhoods. I believe that City of Vancouver needs to unveil a complete and comprehensive Marpole plan from Ontario to Angus and from 57th to Marine Drive to show, that notwithstanding densification, it will be a better community after the change than what it is now.

How would it look? A couple of state of the art community centres with libraries at both ends of the east/west spectrum; homogenous transitions and laneways with sufficient bike and pedestrian friendly access and parking; blatantly evident parking facilities exclusively for vehicle share programs to enable short shift access to vehicles for residents requiring transportation to local shopping areas; parking code relaxation for new development to enable more affordable housing options-(not every home needs 2 parking spots).

If the City of Vancouver wants to jack up density in Marpole residents, then it better have great plan for those residents that will incentivize multi-generational living, with great local amenities and safeand accessible transportation facilities. After all these years, Marpole should no longer have to be at the "back of the bus". Marpolites know this and you can bet that they will be heard- municipally, provincially and federally. I truly think they are just about fed up with being Vancouver's conduit without their own facilities.